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THE Aug. 26, 2008 The Student Voice of the Uni\ ersit of Central 01 lahoma Since 1903
Green trains for Paralympics
Interested in learning more about China or three free credit hours of tuition? This year's Passport UCO focuses on China. Students attending at least 10 events before Nov. 25 will be provided the opportunity to win free tuition and numerous other prizes. -Full story page 3
She was only five when she lost her left leg in a farm accident in Germany but that didn't stop her from climbing trees or racing. Even then, she was among the fastest kids in her class. -Full story page 8
UCOSA begins fall semester with joint session
Bum-A-Bike program expands Fewer students will struggle this semester with the parking and traffic problems that have plagued UCO the past few years. Central Oklahoma and Flatire Burgers are once again expanding the Bum-a-Bike bicycle rental program, bringing the fleet to a total of 25 bikes.
By Nelson Solomon Co-Editor
Page 3
Tuition and aid changes made Before returning for the fall semester, students may have noticed their wallets took a direct hit as UCO tuition and fees increased by 9.5 percent this summer. Charlie Johnson, executive director of University Relations, said the funds generated by the increase in tuition and fees will help to cover part of the university's mandatory cost increases. Page 6
Features New Vista look coming The Vista is taking more strides to accommodate the needs of its readership. Since 1903, this newspaper has changed with the times, going from typewriters to computers, to new software and now to the Internet. PAGE 2
by Vista photographer Chris Albers
Buddy's pizza chef Dan Damron rotates pizzas at lunch Friday in the renovated cafeteria's fire brick oven.
Buddy's Cafeteria offers a unique look to the campus By Ryan Croft Staff Writer
A new wave of modern dining is sweeping across campus. The largest part of that wave is Buddy's, the newly redesigned on-campus cafeteria. Buddy's, like most campus cafeterias, offers a wide selection of foods at different areas throughout the restaurant. The difference, says Food Services Director of Marketing and Public Relations Jennifer Yeaman, is Buddy's unique look and feel and the upgrade in food quality. "We don't want it to be like a cafeteria. We want it to be warm and comfortable...Mike Payne actually had [a] corporate chef...help him design the menu...it's restaurant food...made essentially to order." Sophomore Dani Murphey had a differing
The Central Oklahoma volleyball team prepared for its season opener with some in trasquad competition Saturday in its annual Bronze and Blue scrimmage. -PAGE 12
see BUDDY'S, page 9
see UCOSA, page 5
Devon Energy donates books to classroom By Melissa Dixon Correspondent
Sophomores lead volleyball team
opinion. "[Buddy's] looks nicer, but I think the food tastes exactly the same," she said. The food-serving parts of the cafeteria are divided up into differently themed areas. The convenience store-style Outtakes Quick Cuisine is located at the entrance and allows students in a hurry to grab food on the go. Fresh Market gives health-conscious students soup and salad options. Baker's Crust offers a cafĂŠ and bakery-style experience and Trattoria has an authentic brickstone oven to give students a variety of Italian foods, according to UCO's Food Services. Perhaps the most unique area is MyPantry, which allows students to prepare home-style meals and snacks either by themselves or with assistance.
The UCO Student Association kicked off fall 2008 with a joint session of both the senate and house bodies on Monday in the Heritage Hall room in the Nigh University Center. StateSen. ClarkJolley(R-Edmond), Rep. Ken Miller (R-Edmond), Jarrett Jobe, a former student senate presidentw and UCO Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kathryn Gage highlighted the annual meeting. Student Body President John Bobb-Semple opened the session by introducing his cabinet, a new aspect of UCOSA for this year. Bobb-Semple said this year's agenda represents a "continuation on the foundation we built last year." "This year our organization will be centered and focused on service," he said. "Service that is represented by every single member of this entire student body here at UCO." Bobb-Semple said a single phrase outlines the whole concept: "Simply, I am UCOSA." "I am UCOSA. You are UCOSA. We are UCOSA. The fact is UCOSA is standing by every student voice that we have at this university," he said. "And on this campus, this organization stands behind them 100 percent.
While most students complain about textbook prices, some students receive a break on the fiat day of class. Dr. Mary Teal's Oil and Gas Accounting class arrived Thursday having special guests with a presentation and surprise. Greg Henson, corporate controller, and four UCO graduate employees of Devon Energy gave a presentation over the history and growth of Devon Energy and at the end announced to the class they were providing textbooks for every student enrolled in the class. In June, Devon Energy met with UCO instructors and asked what the best thing they could do for the students. "UCO is unique in that they offer an Oil and Gas Accounting class," Henson said. The class has only been offered at the university for three years. "Students will have a learning curve by taking this class," Henson said.
Devon Energy has been a partner with UCO, by providing internships for students, but based on the company's values wanted to do more. "UCO has been a great partner for Devon," Henson said. Through the intern program, Devon has been recruiting at UCO and has had 11 out of 12 students accept full time job offers with the company after graduation. Devon has 450 accountant employees world wide in which 250-300 are in Oklahoma City. The company that started in 1971 with four employees now has 5,000 and is ranked the second largest Indecent Company in North America and continues to grow. They credit their growth on their ethical values and integrity. They are in the process of building a 54-floor building in downtown OKC to be complete in four years, which will double their space they currently have and will help enhance the by Vista photographer Chanel Henry our city. Henson will be back to visit Dr. Teal's Gregg Henson, Corporate Controller at Devon Energy, class on October 6. surprises students with free textbooks Thursday, August 21, in the Business Building. Devon Energy provided 52 books for the oil and gas accounting class.
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